Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) has called for the government to implement the recommendations of the Retail Consultation Forum (RCF) in its submission on Budget 2015. The RCF’s submission follows extensive meetings and discussion, which took place over the past few months.
Speaking about the RCF’s submission, REI Deputy Chief Executive Seán Murphy said, "If acted upon, then the retail sector, which has been particularly hard hit by the great recession, can look forward to a brighter future marked by higher trading levels and more job opportunities opening up nationally."
Retail representatives have urged the government to reintroduce the lower rate of Employer’s PRSI of 4.25% for those earning below €356 per week. Murphy commented on the effects this move would have: "Such a change will lead to the creation of significant numbers of entry-level retail jobs for those joining and rejoining the workforce following an extended period of unemployment.
"One of the main reasons why there has not been a significant increase in the number of permanent jobs in the Retail Industry is because this rate was doubled in Budget 2014."
The RCF was established this year, as part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, and aims to provide a platform for structured engagement between the Retail sector and relevant Government Departments and Agencies.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Emily Horne.
